Sirpur Buddhist Stupa, Chattisgarh

Address

Sirpur Buddhist Stupa, Chattisgarh

Vatgan Rd, Khamtarai, Sirpur,

Chhattisgarh 493445

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

Sirpur Stupa is an ancient Buddhist Stupa, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Sirpur is located at about 37 Kms from Mahasamund, 38 Kms from Mahasamund Railway Station, and 74 Kms from Raipur Airport.

Puranic Significance

Sirpur, also known as Shripur and Sripura, derives its name from the ancient Indian texts and inscriptions. This historic settlement held significant importance as a center for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism within the South Kosala kingdom during the period spanning the 5th to the 12th century CE.According to his memoir, there were approximately 10,000 Mahayana Buddhist bhikshus (monks) residing in this area, spread across around 100 monasteries. Additionally, there were more than 100 temples that adorned the landscape.

Special Features

The recent excavation of the Sirpur Stupa is a significant archaeological discovery. Despite being relatively unknown to many in Sirpur and having a less-maintained road leading to it, the Sirpur Stupa has been accorded national importance and protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. Sirpur, as a whole, holds a special place as a pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. The diverse religious and historical heritage of Sirpur makes it a place of great cultural significance and archaeological interest.